Founded 1132, the oldest almshouse in England still in use. St. Cross, Winchester.
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, Winchester, founded by Bishop Henry of Blois in the 1132, making it the oldest almshouse in England still in use for its original purpose and arguably the oldest charity in the country.
Originally conceived to help,
'Thirteen poor men, feeble and so reduced in strength that they can scarcely, or not at all, support themselves without other aid, shall remain in the same Hospital constantly;'
It was later enlarged and re-energised in 1446.
The Hospital still provides accommodation for a total of 25 elderly men, known as "The Brothers", under the care of "The Master". They belong to either of two charitable foundations: those belonging to the Order of the Hospital of St Cross (founded around 1132) wear black trencher hats and black robes with a silver badge in the shape of a Jerusalem cross, while those belonging to the Order of Noble Poverty (founded in 1445) wear claret trencher hats and claret robes with a silver cardinal’s badge in memory of Cardinal Beaufort. They are often referred to as the "Black Brothers" and the "Red Brothers". Brothers must be single, widowed or divorced, and over 60 years of age. Preference is given to those in most need. They are expected to wear their robes and attend daily morning prayers in the Church.
This image shows the N.W corner of the Inner Quadrangle and the Brothers quarters, distinctive for the tall external chimneys. Each of the doorways leads to four quarters, two on each floor.
Founded 1132, the oldest almshouse in England still in use. St. Cross, Winchester.
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty, Winchester, founded by Bishop Henry of Blois in the 1132, making it the oldest almshouse in England still in use for its original purpose and arguably the oldest charity in the country.
Originally conceived to help,
'Thirteen poor men, feeble and so reduced in strength that they can scarcely, or not at all, support themselves without other aid, shall remain in the same Hospital constantly;'
It was later enlarged and re-energised in 1446.
The Hospital still provides accommodation for a total of 25 elderly men, known as "The Brothers", under the care of "The Master". They belong to either of two charitable foundations: those belonging to the Order of the Hospital of St Cross (founded around 1132) wear black trencher hats and black robes with a silver badge in the shape of a Jerusalem cross, while those belonging to the Order of Noble Poverty (founded in 1445) wear claret trencher hats and claret robes with a silver cardinal’s badge in memory of Cardinal Beaufort. They are often referred to as the "Black Brothers" and the "Red Brothers". Brothers must be single, widowed or divorced, and over 60 years of age. Preference is given to those in most need. They are expected to wear their robes and attend daily morning prayers in the Church.
This image shows the N.W corner of the Inner Quadrangle and the Brothers quarters, distinctive for the tall external chimneys. Each of the doorways leads to four quarters, two on each floor.